Condolence message of President Juncker on the passing away of former President of the Italian Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, former President of the Italian Republic.

With Carlo Azeglio Ciampi we lose a great Italian and a great European, an example of moral integrity, civic passion and political commitment.

His work as President of the Italian Republic, Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy and Governor of the Bank of Italy will be long remembered.

He took the highest responsibilities in the Italian institutions at a difficult time in his country's history and was always an active protagonist of the European project, guided by the vision of a stronger Italy in a more united Europe.

I remember in particular the importance of his wisdom, intelligence, human qualities and authority in the crucial stages that led to the creation of the euro.

Carlo Azeglio Ciampi was a proud and devoted European, an Italian President who always wanted to see the European flag side by side with the Italian flag. In this difficult moment, my thoughts are with his wife Franca and the Italian people."

STATEMENT/16/3086